It's Not Far Down to Paradise, At Least It's Not For Me

No, we didn't go sailing. We DID take a spontaneous day trip to my favorite place, Wilmington, North Carolina. The weather was finally warming up, and I was having some serious beach fever. I needed to see the ocean and stick my toes in some sand. I also wanted to take a stroll down the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington. Bonus! It was Azalea Festival that weekend! This was the perfect day trip and I think everyone had a great time. I took quite a few pictures along the way, so I think I'll let them do most of the talking.

Starting out on our impromptu road trip...gotta love technology! Kate and Aaron watched movies while Mommy and Daddy listened to the Ipod in peace. I remember (back in the day) that road trips=back seat fighting between sisters!

We arrived just in time for lunch at the Dockside. It's a family tradition to eat there at least once while staying in Wrightsville Beach. It felt glorious, eating at the Marina, looking at all the yachts and fishing boats, and just basking in the sun...all while eating some yummy seafood. And this time, we purchased Kate the ever-so-popular Dockside t-shirt (pink, of course)!

Aaron was so excited to see the water and all the big boats.

He was getting a little restless before our food came, so Bryan took him for a walk on the docks.

Can you get over all these beautiful boats? Everytime I eat at the Dockside, it really makes me want to live this 'lifestyle'. Not the 'rich, luxurious' one, but the 'fun & sun' one. Unfortunately, I think you have to achieve the former to have the latter. Or...maybe we could win the lottery? Or just know someone with a boat?

Kate has my problem. She was already picking out her boat.

The coveted tables...under the blue and white umbrellas,

and with a gorgeous view of the marina.

See the bird on top of the pole? My nod to coastal wildlife.

"Mom, this has been the best lunch! But...can we go to the beach now?"

Run, Aaron, Run! Wait until you see what awaits you on the other side!

They were sooooo excited! They literally ran around in circles for a
few minutes, just taking it all in!

Priceless.

Ready?

Jump!

That was fun, Sissy!

This water is freezing, but I'm still smiling!

Katelyn got up!

Yes, Mommy was acting like a big 'ole grandma...wearing her straw hat and everything! Even though it was a sunny day, the wind made everything feel a bit cooler. I couldn't believe my kids were playing in the surf.

Aaron found Mommy's sun visor in the beach bag.

He decided to 'chill' with me, and his bag of pretzels.

Kate was still going strong!

I was just taking in the view. I love the ocean. It represents the best of God's beautiful creation. Something about all that clear/bluish water, and how it sparkles with the sun's rays.

The sky was so blue!

Bryan stayed warm by digging Aaron a hole in the sand. It was funny, because just as Bryan would shovel some sand out, Aaron would slide down into the hole, bringing more sand with him.

By the second hour, Kate and I were officially cold. We bundled up together in the beach chair to stay warm. I didn't want to leave because it was so beautiful, but eventually our need to get warm won out. So, we scrubbed off the sand at the Public Beach Access shower, and did a quick wardrobe change in the van. Off to the Riverfront for some more fun!

Love these pictures! Look at those little legs. He's just too cute.

Since it was Azalea Festival weekend, the downtown area was full of street vendors, carnival-style food, special exhibits, and live music. Oh yeah...and people. And even, the Michelin dude. Katelyn liked him...Aaron not so much.

Bryan and I usually eat at The Pilot House when we visit downtown Wilmington, but this time we decided to try someplace new. We still preferred a view of the river (shocking, I know), so we settled on The George On The Riverwalk. Bryan and I were pleased with our meals (he got shrimp and grits, and I had this amazing mahi-mahi dish...served with fried bananas), and we all loved the beautiful view.

Kate and I are happy to be in the shade and enjoying our sweet tea!

Aaron resting his little noggin for a moment. I think the activity
of the day was catching up to him.

Love you honey. Thanks for agreeing to do this thing last minute.

I hope you had as much fun as I did.

The Henrietta III. If you ever get the chance, you should take one of their cruises (we didn't today, but I've done it before).

Dessert time! We went to Kilwin's for some ice cream (Aaron got a chocolate covered pretzel).

Aaron, Kate and Bryan--getting ready to take a tour of the Peacemaker.

The Peacemaker was built in Brazil and launched in 1989. Now owned and operated by the 12 Tribes Communities.

Probably my favorite picture of the day. I love how the colors of the cotton candy match Kate's outfit, and I really love how the sun highlights the red in Kate's hair. I can't put my finger on it, but the picture just leaves me feeling happy and even a bit nostalgic.

Almost time to leave, but Kate wanted her picture with the hotdog. So, high five, you're a weiner with us!

Kate getting her face painted by a pimped out clown. She wasn't the best artist I've seen, but she was great with the kids. Kate picked out a princess (of course) and Aaron wanted a frog. I loved seeing my kids having fun and enjoying the day.

Couldn't resist snapping a shot of this booth. Hmmm...and it was unmanned. Kate, can I get some of that stimulus money, honey? I need to pay for parking.

I love all the historic buildings in downtown Wilmington.

Sadly, it was time to leave Wilmington and go home. I hope we get to come back for a visit soon. I hope my kids will remember today. I feel like we created a special memory--a family memory that I will reflect fondly on for a long time to come.